SWINGTIME COMPETITION GUIDELINES

General Competition Requirements

1. Entries: All contests must have a minimum of five (5) entries to be valid.
2. Judges: SwingTime will adhere to all guidelines set by WSDC regarding judges.
3. Scoring System: Finalized scoring inputs will be computerized by a professional scorer.

Contest Requirements

1. Waiver Forms:
   • Each contestant must sign the appropriate waiver form.
   • Contestants under eighteen must have a parent or guardian sign any required forms.
2. Role/Gender Requirements:
   • SwingTime is open to individuals of any gender dancing either lead or follow, as they prefer.
   • Contestants are encouraged to register in whichever role they prefer.
3. Appropriate Behavior and Dress Code:
   • The Organizer aims to encourage expressive and exciting dance performances without sacrificing quality and good taste.
   • Actions that make judges uncomfortable in a social dance setting, such as wearing inappropriate attire or showing disrespect, are prohibited.
   • Competitors should consult with the Organizer or Chief Judge in advance regarding routine/competition attire acceptability.

Responsibilities of Competitors

1. Planning Ahead:
   • Check the weekend schedule in advance to meet registration deadlines and bring appropriate competition attire.
   • Arrive on time for all meetings and competitions.
   • Check at the event for any schedule changes.
2. Knowing the Rules:
   • Competitors should read these rules carefully before their competition.
   • Adherence to these rules is mandatory, regardless of whether the competitors have read them.
   • Questions about the rules should be directed to the Chief Judge in advance.
3. Being Prepared to Compete:
   • Competitors should be present in the ballroom at least 15 minutes before the start of their competition.
   • Competitors are responsible for their bib numbers.
   • Cancellation after the registration deadline results in the loss of the entry fee.
4. Demonstrating Good Sporting Conduct:
   • Competitors must display good sporting conduct at all times, both on and off the competition floor.
   • Competitors may not speak to judges regarding their placements or scores until after the awards have been given.

Definitions

1. Points: Jack & Jill points are listed in the World Swing Dance Council Competitors Registry.
2. Rising Star: Amateur Routine Choreography Division.
3. Swing Content: The NASDE Statement of Swing is a guide to assist judges in determining swing content. Swing is an American Rhythm Dance based on 6-beat and 8-beat patterns incorporating a variety of rhythms built on 2-beat, single, delayed, double, triple, and blank rhythm units.

Division Rules

1. Jack and Jill Divisions:

   • WSDC divisions offered: Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, All Star, Champion, Sophisticated & Masters Open.

   • Rules found here.

   • All-In JJ -Luck of the draw, anyone can draw anyone! (with the exception of SwingTime’s 2025 teaching staff, they may not draw one another).

   • Purpose: Highlight social dance skills in spontaneous swing dancing and the ability to dance well with various partners.

   • Format: Competitors enter as individuals, are randomly assigned partners, and dance to music selected by the Competition DJ. Preliminary and semi-final rounds may be held depending on the number of entries.
   • Judging Criteria:
     • Timing: Ability to dance on the downbeat and include syncopations.
     • Technique: Footwork, balance, control, frame, and execution of turns & spins.
     • Teamwork: Partners working together as a team.
     • Content: Choreography and musical interpretation.
     • Showmanship: Ability to maintain the audience’s attention.
2. WSDC Divisions:
   • Skill Levels: Competitors may enter two different skill levels for the J&J competition in different roles (leader and follower) under WSDC rules.
   • Division Qualifications: Follow the World Swing Dance Council recommendations for fair grouping of dancers.
   • Newcomer/Novice – New to Competition
   • Intermediate – Not eligible: dancers with advanced points or higher
   • Advanced – Not eligible: dancers with all star points or higher
   • All-Star – Not eligible, dancers with Champions points
3. Strictly Swing Divisions:
   • Purpose: Encourage lead and follow partner dancing.
   • General Rules:
     • Maximum entries per division are at the event’s discretion.
     • Minimum swing content of 75%.
   • Specific Rules:
     • Performance length at the promoter’s discretion.
     • No costumes allowed; matching outfits acceptable.
     • Danced in a heated format, with exceptions for All-Star & Champions.
     • Couples must maintain physical contact except for spins, turns, and short break-a-ways.
     • No pre-choreographed routines allowed.
     • Dancers must maintain floor contact during weight support moves.
4. Rising Star Spotlight Routine:
   • General Rules can be found on the Rising Star website. Click on link. Rising Star Website
   • Restart Guidelines:
     • Allowed for wrong music, sound system failure, shoe breaks, costume malfunction, or ballroom lighting issues.
     • Not allowed for dissatisfaction with dance order, performance, or injury during performance.
     • Requests must be made to the Chief Judge before leaving the competition floor.
   • Exceptions:
     • Amateurs must be at least 6 years of age, on or before the Sunday of the event.
     • Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
     • Amateurs are defined as anyone who does not teach West Coast Swing on a regular, ongoing basis.
     • A Professional is defined as someone who earns a significant am
5. WOW PRO Division: “World of West Coast Swing” Routine Invitational:
   • General Rules:
     • Invitation only for professional dance partners.
     • Performance time: 90-105 seconds.
     • No props allowed.
     • Not judged.